It's been a day or two since your infant had a dirty diaper, but you can hear those tiny farts clearly. You start wondering: is anything wrong? If your newborn is not pooping but passing gas, you're definitely not the only parent experiencing this. Many parents experience this after the first few weeks of their baby being born and wonder if their baby's belly is upset or constipated.
For most, it's totally normal, but occasionally, it can be a sign of a digestive problem that requires attention. In this article, you'll learn the potential causes, soothing home treatments, and plain red flags to be aware of and immediately call a paediatrician.
Every newborn has a unique poop pattern. Some babies poop several times a day, while others may skip a day or two; both can be normal. What matters most is the baby’s comfort and stool consistency, not the frequency.
Breastfed babies will frequently have loose stools and may not pass stools for several days once their digestive system adapts. This is due to the fact that breast milk is specially formulated for easy digestion, and little waste remains.
Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, poop more frequently and have firmer stools.
As for gas, it’s a normal part of digestion. Newborns swallow air while feeding or crying, and their immature digestive system takes time to process it. So, a newborn farting but not pooping doesn’t always mean constipation; it can just mean their tiny tummy is still learning to function smoothly.
There are a few explanations for why your newborn is not pooping but passing gas. Let's understand the most common causes:
During the first few months, your baby's digestive system is still maturing. Muscles that contract to move food through the intestines (peristalsis) haven't yet developed into a coordinated system. This can allow gas to pass freely while poop lingers on its journey.
Babies who eat too quickly, cry excessively, or nurse with a bad latch are prone to swallowing more air. This air builds up in the form of gas bubbles in their tummies and makes them gassy even when they haven't yet pooped.
A newborn not pooping but passing gas, breastfed, is usually absolutely normal. By the first few weeks, breastfed infants can go as long as 5–7 days without a bowel movement since breast milk is almost fully digested. Provided that your baby seems happy and the abdomen is soft, there is no need to worry.
Occasionally, a temporary slowdown in digestion may occur because of dehydration, weather change, or minor illness. This temporary constipation generally gets resolved with proper care and patience.
If you just switched your baby from one formula to another, or if you are breastfeeding and drastically altered your diet (by increasing dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods), your baby's digestive system may temporarily respond with gas or slowed pooping.
It's important to know the difference between normal and when to seek medical care.
Quick Check: Normal vs Red Flag
● Baby is happy and feeding well.
● Tummy is soft, not tight or swollen.
● Baby easily passes gas.
● Poop is soft
● No extra crying or distress.
● No stool for over 4 days.
● Hard, pellet-like poop.
● The abdomen is swollen or tight.
● Baby strains or cries in pain.
● Vomiting, refusing feeds, or poor feeding.
● Blood in stool.
If you notice a red flag, it's best to have your baby checked out.
Call your physician if your newborn hasn't had a bowel movement in a few days, particularly if they are uncomfortable, won't feed, or vomit. These may signal constipation, intestinal blockage, or an illness such as Hirschsprung's disease, in which sections of the intestines don't work properly.
Early assessment prevents your baby from being uncomfortable and ensures they remain healthy.
Unless your baby has a medical condition or seems otherwise unwell, there are some safe, gentle methods of stimulating bowel movement and easing gas at home.
Place your baby on their back and rub their stomach gently in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. This facilitates the movement of trapped gas along the intestines. You may also have your baby do the "bicycle legs" action, pedalling back and forth to help dislodge gas and stimulate the bowels.
A warm bath relieves your baby's abdominal muscles, easing them to pass stool or gas. It also calms any pain brought about by trapped air.
It is important to burp your baby correctly during and after every feed. This avoids too much air from entering the tummy and minimises gassiness.
If you’re breastfeeding, ensure your baby has a deep, proper latch to reduce swallowed air. If bottle-feeding, hold the bottle at an angle so the nipple stays full of milk, not air.
Never use over-the-counter laxatives, suppositories, or home remedies unless advised by your paediatrician. Babies’ digestive systems are delicate and can react unpredictably to such treatments.
Newborn care at Cloudnine Hospitals is more than mere medical treatment; it is personalised attention for the baby as well as the parents. Their staff of specialist paediatricians and neonatologists guarantees round-the-clock attention to even the smallest issues, ranging from gas problems to severe digestive problems.
Cloudnine focuses on evidence-based practices, hand-holding of newborns, and open communication with the parents so that each family feels a sense of support. Whether it is a regular checkup or neonatal speciality care, Cloudnine brings together expertise, empathy, and state-of-the-art facilities for your baby's finest beginning in life.
If your newborn is farting but not pooping, don't worry, in most instances, it's perfectly normal and temporary. Newborn digestive systems take time to mature, and gas tends to clear faster than poop. But always monitor your baby's comfort, feeding habits, and softness of the tummy.
If ever you are unsure or your infant appears to be in discomfort, get in touch with your paediatrician. Each baby's belly is unique. Listen to your instincts and ask for assistance if anything doesn't feel right. With tender care and medical support, your infant's digestive rhythm will regain its natural balance.
Their immature digestive tract and swallowed air can lead to gas. It's usually normal unless it's associated with pain or other warning signs.
For breastfed babies, 5–7 days can be normal. For formula-fed babies, see a doctor if it's been over 3–4 days.
Attempt tummy massages, bicycle legs, warm baths, and good burping with feeds. These soothing strategies may stimulate movement.
Hard pellet-shaped stools, bloated tummy, excessive crying, straining, or refusal to feed are typical signs. Consult your paediatrician if you see these.
